How to spend the best 48 hours in Glasgow

Cool cafes are everywhere in the city, so it can be hard to pick. But if you’re in the mood for a full fry-up, look no further than the family-owned Cafe Gandolfi in Merchant City. You’ll get a plate loaded with Stornoway black pudding, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, potato scone, mushroom, free-range eggs and sourdough toast. If that’s a bit too much first thing, get some Eggs Hebridean or Alba, washed down with a Bloody Gandolfi or a cup of Caffe Carraro Italian roast coffee.

Nods to Charles Rennie Mackintosh are everywhere as the city celebrates one of its most famous former residents. And the architect’s style can be seen at this gorgeous first-floor cafe close to malls and shops, in the building and at the in-house exhibition. But it’s the incredible presentation of the seasonally themed and exquisite afternoon teas at the Willow that bring a real wow factor. It’s quite the feed too, so after a hearty breakfast and ahead of a multiple-course dinner, we recommend you book this in lieu of lunch. 

Spend your evening meal experiencing the best of Scottish fare, in a stylish, contemporary restaurant whose name translates as Glasgow in Gaelic — it doesn’t get more local than that. Right opposite GOMA, you can book a table for some post-gallery fine food. Request a window table overlooking Royal Exchange Square, for the best views. A la carte and tasting menus are available along with a range of creative beverages, including the “Barrowlands” (Isle of Bute oyster gin, Noilly Prat, seaweed tincture and nori shard, stirred over ice).

Hyndland has long been one of the fancier neighbourhoods of the city, situated in the West End. So it’s no stranger to a chic cafe or a posh boutique. But it’s seen a spate of new restaurant openings of late, drawing foodies from across Glasgow into its folds. One such recent launch is The Skillet. Come here for brunch — and a few signature cocktails — from 10 am. Turkish Eggs, a Vegan full Scottish and Shakshuka are just some of the morning menu highlights. While kids will love their French toast with lashings of Nutella.

The riverwalk from the Botanics to Great Western Road is a charm and once you reach the end, you can make a pitstop for a semi-alfresco drink and some scran at this under-tunnel pub. It’s tucked away overlooking the water and always has a great atmosphere. If you’re still stuffed from brunch just get some wings or a plate of calamari.

Take a leisurely stroll to Ashton Lane, a buzzing cobbled street tucked away in the West End, and make your way to Ubiquitous Chip. This iconic venue is a must for anyone visiting Glasgow for the first time (it’s been here since 1971), as well as an evergreen choice for locals, so it’s an obvious choice to complete your 48 hours in the city. There are plenty of nooks and crannies for romantic moments and lively dining spaces to choose from, including an outdoor terrace.